Traffic stop leads to meth bust

ST. IGNACE – Two Michigan residents have been arraigned on charges relating to a methamphetamine bust by the Michigan State Police – St. Ignace Post, according to a law enforcement official.

Joseph Douglas Anderson, 29, of Middleville, Mich., and Samantha Marie Keith, 21, also of Middleville, were arrested on June 3 at approximately 9:20 p.m., following a traffic stop by a MSP trooper.

According to a press release issued by MSP, the trooper stopped the pair on I-75 north bound, near the tolls of the Mackinac Bridge. The vehicle was stopped for having a cracked windshield and contact was made with Anderson, the driver, and Keith, the passenger. The trooper immediately smelled an odor of what he thought was burnt marijuana, causing an inquiry about the odor. Initially, the occupants said they didn’t smoke any marijuana, but later claimed the odor came from synthetic or fake marijuana they smoked, the release states.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of several packets of methamphetamine, along with syringes. Further search revealed many of the chemicals used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. The release also indicates that there were bottles found with a mixture inside, indicating the occupants were in the process of manufacturing the drug inside the vehicle.

Because of the hazardous materials used in making methamphetamine, the MSP Meth team was requested to respond. After clean up, a hazardous material contractor responded for disposal of materials.

Both Anderson and Keith were arrested and lodged in the Mackinac County Jail for possession, delivery, and the manufacturing of methamphetamine. An additional charge for the waste produced in the manufacturing of the drug was also assessed.

Anderson is being held pending payment of a $500,000 cash/surety bond, while Keith is being held on a $50,000 cash/ surety bond.